Thursday afternoon, 20 June 2013, newly appointed interim Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah handed in his official letter of resignation to Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas.

Sworn in by President Abbas on June 6^th, Hamdallah’s cabinet has only held two official sessions.

Speculation abound, local press is reporting that Hamdallah’s decision to resign stems from a disagreement over the prime minister’s jurisdiction and limits of power.

Upon taking office, Hamdallah was appointed two deputies, Dr. Mohammed Mustafa, the head of the Palestinian Investment Fund, and Ziad Abu Amar. Both men are close advisors of Abbas, a fact that may, as Jack Khoury of Haaretz notes, signal the President’s intention of holding influence over the premier’s office.

It is unclear as to whether President Abbas has accepted Hamdallah’s resignation; however, he is expected to address the public later tonight or tomorrow morning.

Hamdallah, an academic, has never held an official political position before serving as PM. He is currently serving as the President of Al-Najah University in Nablus, a position he held at the time of his appointment to Prime Minister.